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College of Business Highlights
Spring 2025 Outstanding Student Awards!
Olivia Duchovnay – Marketing
Outstanding Student in the College of Business
Outstanding Students Spring 2025 - Department Awards
Charissa Jensen Outstanding Student in Accounting
Sacario Sandoval Outstanding Student in Business Administration
Ruendy Mendoza-Chavez Outstanding Student in Business Intelligence
Anahi Solis Balderrama Outstanding Student in Computer Info. Systems
Charles Fitzer Outstanding Student in Economics
Maria del Refugio Gonzalez Outstanding Student in Entrepreneurship
Robert David Colton West Outstanding Student in Finance
Derek Dewar Outstanding Student in Global Business Studies
Daisy Mendoza Outstanding Student in Human Resource Management
Wesley Waters Outstanding Student in Management
Florisbeth Aguirre Acosta Outstanding Student in Marketing
Isaiah Flores Outstanding Student in Professional Selling
Rory Yonts Outstanding Student in Master of Professional Accountancy
Emily Hafner Outstanding Student in Master of Business Administration
Congratulations Career Catalysts!!!
Faculty Recognized as Career Catalysts
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Faculty in the News - Summer 2025
Use Caution During Amazon Prime Days to Avoid Online Scams
Edgar Maldonado, Computer Information Systems professor, spoke with Telemundo, warning consumers to be cautious during Amazon Prime Days and to avoid online scams by never clicking on suspicious emails. Instead, he urged shoppers to access Amazon directly through its website or app to protect their login credentials.
Rollback of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs Affects on LGBTQ-owned Small Business
Adam Melnick, Management assistant professor, spoke with Denver7 about how the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion programs is affecting LGBTQ-owned small businesses. He explained that funders often steer clear of organizations that draw negative attention and noted that, amid a shifting political climate, backing inclusive businesses such as the Cake Bar can present opportunities as well as challenges.
New CO Law penalizing use of AI-generated Explicit Images That Bully Minors
Edgar Maldonado, Computer Information Systems professor, was interviewed by Telemundo Colorado about a new Colorado law that penalizes the use of AI-generated explicit images to bully minors. Maldonado emphasized the importance of parental guidance and open conversations to help protect children from this emerging digital threat.
Denver Broncos Potential New Stadium Locations
April Schofield, MSU Denver Marketing lecturer, interviewed with FOX31 about reports that the Denver Broncos have purchased land in the Burnham Yard area, which is one of the locations being considered for a potential new stadium.
Impact of U.S. Auto Tariffs
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, spoke with The Washington Times about the economic impact of recent U.S. auto tariffs. He explained how these measures are leading automakers to reconsider pricing strategies, potentially raising costs for U.S.-made vehicles.
Removal of Guidance Discouraging Cryptocurrency in Retirement Plans
Austin Elsey, Finance lecturer, spoke with Fox31 and CW2 about the Trump administration’s removal of guidance discouraging cryptocurrency use in retirement plans. Elsey outlined the risks and benefits of crypto while advising consumers to consult with a financial adviser when investing.
How To Get Cheap Car Insurance
Chandler Reilly, Economics assistant professor, was interviewed by WalletHub for an article about how to get cheap car insurance. The article provides a comprehensive review of USAA’s car insurance offerings, highlighting its affordability and tailored services for military members, veterans and their families.
Dangers of Kids Using AI Chat Bots
Edgar Maldonado, Computer Information Systems professor, interviewed with Telemundo Colorado about the danger of kids using AI Chat bots. He emphasizes the importance of parental supervision and the need for educational initiatives to ensure safe and informed use of AI technologies among children.
Proposed Changes Impose New Taxes on Solar- and Wind-energy Projects
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, spoke with Denver7 about the proposed changes to the federal “Big Beautiful Bill,” which would impose new taxes on solar- and wind-energy projects. Kulkarni said the additional tax would raise production costs, prompting a domino effect that could ultimately increase electricity prices for consumers and particularly impact Colorado’s energy-driven economy.
Legal Dispute Involving Denver Public Schools Financing Structure
Rey Hernández‑Julián, Economics professor, spoke with The Denver Gazette about the financing structure at the center of a legal dispute involving Denver Public Schools. The story also ran in Colorado Politics.
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment one of the Most Valuable Sports Empires
April Schofield, Marketing lecturer, interviewed with Fox31 and CW2 about a new report showing that Kroenke Sports & Entertainment is one of the most valuable sports empires. The company is valued at $21.2 billion and owns major franchises including the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche and Colorado Rapids, along with other teams and stadiums.
Marketing Strategy for Amazon Prime Day & Kroenke Sports & Entertainment topping the List
Darrin Duber-Smith, Marketing retired senior lecturer, interviewed with KOA Radio about with marketing strategy for Amazon Prime Day and about Kroenke Sports and Entertainment topping the list of the world’s most valuable sports empires.
Office Buzzwords Elevating Perceived Status
Apryl Brodersen, professor of Management, was featured in a Medium article. She discussed how corporate jargon often serves as a social signal, noting that office buzzwords can help elevate perceived status—especially those in leadership positions—while also potentially fostering unnecessary workplace pressures.
Challenges Facing Downtown Denver’s Restaurant and Retail Sectors
Glenn Furton, Economics assistant professor, provided expert analysis to The Denver Post about the challenges facing downtown Denver’s restaurant and retail sectors. He discussed the economic forces driving increased vacancy rates and business closures.
New-car Buyers May Suffer Lengthy Loan Terms and High Interest Rates
Kishore Kulkarni, Economics professor, spoke with Fortune about how new-car buyers looking to dodge auto tariffs may suffer unintended financial consequences as a result of lengthy loan terms and high interest rates.
Advanced Investment MGT class outperforms the Market
CBS Colorado reported on the Advanced Investment Management class and how the students in it have outperformed the stock market by 20% since the class inception in 2020. Adam Schor, Finance lecturer and seasoned finance professional with over 35 years in asset management experience, guided students in activities that mirror real-world investment practices. Students credited their success to sticking with the fundamentals they learned in class, avoiding emotional reactions and focusing on long-term strategy. A RED story contributed to this coverage.
Alumni Spotlight
College of Business Alumnus Stephen Lease
Stylish shades shed light on goodr founder’s success
MSU Denver alumnus Stephen Lease, CEO of the popular sunglasses company, shares lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The word “reckless” doesn’t exactly call savvy business skills to mind. But for Metropolitan State University of Denver alumnus Stephen Lease, co-founder and CEO of the successful active-sunglasses brand goodr, it’s a vital component of a thriving business.
The brand leader throws himself into his work, and it shows. Lease is a 2005 “-ish” graduate* of the College of Business with a degree in Marketing. The Colorado native is now a CEO, co-host of the popular Culture goodr podcast and a serial entrepreneur. And he was named the 2024 MSU Denver Distinguished Alumni of the Year, all because of that recklessly creative approach to business and life.
Student and Alumni Highlights
Jesiah Lopez – VP of Accounting Student Organization
Meet Jesiah Lopez, Vice President of the Accounting Student Organization, ASO. Jesiah joined ASO because he wanted to meet likeminded students who share the same goal of becoming successful accountants. Very soon, ASO became the bridge in assisting him to network with accounting firms. Jesiah’s favorite part about ASO is the interpersonal connections among the firms.
Pi Sigma Epsilon National Convention
Sixteen students from the Center for Professional Selling traveled to St Louis for the Pi Sigma Epsilon National Convention April 10-13, 2024. Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) is the only national, professional fraternal organization in sales, marketing, and management open to everyone.
The Convention is for individuals who want to build a strong professional network, learn from industry leaders, showcase accomplishment, compete in a variety of individual and group competitions, and connect with employers. This annual event brings together students, alumni, educators and industry professionals for an exciting week of networking, professional development, competitions and fun.
If students are interested in getting involved, they can contact club president Blair Whitted: [email protected]
College of Business Students Take Home Top Prizes at Ethics Quest 2024!
MSU Denver College of Business student took home 1st & 2nd place prizes for the recent campus-wide Ethics Quest 2024 competition! A big shoutout to 1st place winner Ruby Vargas, and 2nd place winner Desirae Mondragon!
Ethics Quest 2024 was open to all students enrolled in higher education, and offered four days of immersive experiences including games, presentations, and ethical learning opportunities.
The College of Business extends its sincere gratitude to Julian Friedland for his contribution to the competition, hosted by the University of Colorado and funded by the Daniels Fund ethics Initiative which is dedicated to fostering a culture of ethical leadership and decision-making among students, faculty, and the broader community.
Jacob Haberthier – Alumni
“I am very thankful for the MSU Denver College of Business! One of the biggest things that the CBUS taught me was how to network myself. Because of them and their teachings, it helped me land a job at Burton Snowboards, where I now work in my current degree field as one of the Marketing Managers. Not only did my networking skills allow me to find a job in this industry, but has allowed me to flourish professionally and personally” Jacob Haberthier, Marketing Grad
Tatym Lillquist- Alumni
“My experience at MSU Denver’s College of Business is undoubtedly a major contributor to my personal and professional success. From the dedicated support from professors and faculty to the numerous opportunities for growth, the department equipped me for the marketplace. What I appreciate most about my experience is having opportunities to network with tenured industry professionals, understand how the marketplace works through sales competitions, and being connected to companies seeking top talent. I am grateful for my time as MSU Denver and the community it helped me create.” Tatym Lillquist, Marketing Grad.
Two Alums win Sticker Contest
Excitement and anticipation brewed within MSU Denver’s College of Business as students waited to see who the winners were for the 2023-24 sticker competition, proudly sponsored by local business and supporter StickerGiant. This collaboration wasn’t just about stickers; it ignited creativity and entrepreneurship right on campus.
Erica Peterson, graduated last fall with a major in Marketing and a certificate in Digital Marketing.
Erica designed two of the top winning stickers.
“Digital marketing has always been a passion of mine, from understanding consumer behavior, to interpreting trends and how different brands interact with consumers, I find it all fascinating”
I graduated with a marketing degree in May 2023 and finished my digital marketing certificate this past fall. I am also a proud alum of the Women’s Soccer team.
I enjoy digital marketing because I get to bring my ideas to life in a way that connects with people.